Filament production device

ABSTRACT

A filament production device, in particular a filament reaction-spinning production device, comprising at least one spinning nozzle unit, which is provided for producing at least one filament formed as a hollow fibre membrane from at least one polymer solution, and comprising a polymerisation unit, which is provided for initiating a polymerisation of the polymer solution, wherein the polymerisation unit is provided for initiating the polymerisation at least partially within the spinning nozzle unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation of International PatentApplication No. PCT/EP2017/053058, filed Feb. 10, 2017, which claims thebenefit of German Patent Application No. 10 2016 102 494.5, filed Feb.12, 2016, which are each incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A filament production device which has at least one spinning nozzle unitand which is provided for producing at least one filament from at leastone polymer solution, and which comprises a polymerisation unit which isprovided for initiating a polymerisation of the polymer solution isalready known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a filament production device and a productionmethod with a filament production device.

The object of the invention lies in particular in providing a device ofthe type in question that has improved properties in respect of itsefficiency. The object is achieved in accordance with the invention bythe features of the independent claims, whereas advantageous embodimentsand developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

The invention proceeds from a filament production device, in particulara filament reaction-spinning production device, comprising at least one,preferably exactly one, spinning nozzle unit, which is provided forproducing at least one filament from at least one polymer solution andin particular from at least one further polymer solution, preferably bymeans of at least one inner fluid and particularly preferably by meansof at least one further inner fluid, advantageously in seriesproduction, and comprising one, preferably exactly one, polymerisationunit, which is provided for initiating a polymerisation of the polymersolution and in particular of the further polymer solution, preferablyby means of the inner fluid, and particularly preferably by means of thefurther inner fluid.

It is proposed that the polymerisation unit is provided for initiatingthe polymerisation at least partially within the spinning nozzle unit.The filament can hereby be hydrophilically functionalised by thepolymerisation as it is being formed, whereby process times in seriesproduction can be reduced. Higher proportions of the polymers containedin the polymer solution can be cross-linked, thus saving material costs.In particular, individual properties of the filament, such as thefunctionalisation and advantageously the morphology of the filament, canbe adjusted selectively, whereby in particular the roughness depth ofthe filament can be increased and therefore a flow rate can be improved.On the whole, the efficiency, in particular cost efficiency, preferablytime efficiency and/or material efficiency, of the production processand also in particular the product efficiency can be improved.

A “filament production device” is understood to mean in particular afilament reaction-spinning production device, in particular a productiondevice which is provided at least for the production of a filament, inparticular by means of reaction spinning, wherein the filament isprovided in particular for microfiltration, preferably ultrafiltration,and particularly preferably nanofiltration. The term “provided” is to beunderstood in particular to mean specifically programmed, designedand/or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specificfunction is to be understood in particular to mean that the objectperforms and/or carries out this specific function in at least oneapplication state and/or operating state. The filament production devicecan be provided in particular for wet spinning of the filament,preferably by phase inversion.

The expression “reaction spinning” is to be understood in particular tomean a method for producing filaments in which the polymer solution isspun during a polymerisation of the polymer solution. A “filament” is tobe understood in particular to mean an elongate object, the longitudinalextent of which corresponds to a multiple of the diameter of the object,at least three times, preferably at least six times, and particularlypreferably ten times the diameter of the object. The filament isprovided in particular to absorb a liquid with a substance dissolvedtherein and to separate the substance from the liquid at least in part,in particular at least to a large extent, and particularly preferablyentirely, wherein the filament advantageously absorbs the separatedsubstance and allows the liquid to pass through. The filament inparticular has a structure that is partially permeable for a liquid, inparticular a porous structure, which preferably forms a membrane atleast partially. The filament is in particular formed as a hollow fibreand preferably as a hollow fibre membrane. A “polymer solution” is to beunderstood in particular to mean a solution which comprises at least onepolymer and in particular a further polymer, and at least one solventfor the at least one polymer and/or for the at least one furtherpolymer. The polymer is provided in particular for forming the membraneof the filament. The further polymer is provided in particular forforming pores in the membrane of the filament. The further polymer isalso provided for functionalising the filament hydrophilically bypolymerisation. The polymer solution comprises, as polymer, inparticular polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), poly(arylene sulfone) (PAS) and/or poly(aryl ethersulfone) (PAES). As further polymer, the polymer solution comprisespolyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in particular. The polymer solution cancomprise in particular further chemical components, such asnon-solvents, monomers, copolymers, pre-polymers, fillers, pigments,flame retardants and/or polymerisation initiators. The term “polymerise”is to be understood in particular to mean cross-linked andadvantageously the creation of at least a plurality of node pointsand/or crossing points. The expression “initiate a polymerisation” is tobe understood in particular to mean to start at least one chemicalreaction which triggers a polymerisation at least indirectly andadvantageously directly of at least one polymer of the polymer solution,of the polymer and/or of the further polymer. The expression “apolymerisation initiator” is to be understood in particular to mean asubstance which is provided to start at least one chemical reactionwhich indirectly and preferably directly initiates the polymerisation ofat least one polymer of the polymer solution, advantageously of thepolymer and/or of the further polymer. The expression “an inner fluid”is to be understood in particular to mean a fluid which comprises atleast one non-solvent for the polymer and/or the further polymer. Inparticular, the inner fluid can comprise further chemical components,such as solvents, monomers, copolymers, pre-polymers, fillers, pigments,flame retardants, pore generators and/or polymerisation initiators. Thespinning nozzle unit in particular comprises at least one spinningnozzle and in particular a plurality of spinning nozzles, which is/arepreferably provided for spinning the polymer solution. Thepolymerisation unit is in particular formed integrally with the spinningnozzle unit, at least partially and preferably at least to a largeextent and particularly preferably entirely, and/or more advantageouslyis integrated therein at least partially, in particular to a largeextent, and particularly preferably entirely. The expression “formedintegrally at least partially” is to be understood in this context tomean in particular that at least one component of at least one object,in particular the object itself, is formed integrally with at least onecomponent of at least one further object, in particular is formedintegrally with the further object itself. The expression “formedintegrally” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular atleast connected with a substance-to-substance bond, for example by awelding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection mouldingprocess, and/or another process appearing expedient to a person skilledin the art. The expression “formed integrally” is also to be understoodadvantageously to mean in one part. The expression “in one part” is tobe understood in particular to mean formed in one piece. This one pieceis preferably produced from an individual blank, a mass and/or acasting, preferably in an injection moulding process, in particular aone-component and/or multi-component injection moulding process.

It is also proposed that the polymerisation unit comprises at least oneirradiation unit, which is provided for applying electromagneticradiation to at least the polymer solution and in particular the furtherpolymer solution, the inner fluid and/or the further inner fluid,preferably within the spinning nozzle unit, in order to initiate thepolymerisation. The irradiation unit is in particular connected at leastto a radiation source and/or advantageously comprises a radiationsource, which is provided preferably for generating the electromagneticradiation. The electromagnetic radiation has in particular a radiationspectrum and in particular an intensity maximum of the radiationspectrum in the range of ultraviolet radiation (UV), in particular nearUV radiation (UV-A), middle UV radiation (UV-B), far UV radiation(UV-C-FUV), vacuum UV radiation (UV-C-VUV) and/or extreme UV radiation(EUV). The electromagnetic radiation, in particular the radiationspectrum, and preferably the intensity maximum of the radiation spectrumadvantageously has an energy in particular of at least 3.2 eV,advantageously at least 3.94 eV, more advantageously at least 4.43 eV,preferably at least 6.20 eV, and particularly preferably at least 10.25eV, and/or in particular at most 124 eV, advantageously at most 12.4 eV,more advantageously at most 6.2 eV, preferably at most 4.43 eV, andparticularly preferably at most 3.94 eV. The electromagnetic radiation,in particular the radiation spectrum, and preferably the intensitymaximum of the radiation spectrum more advantageously has a wavelengthof at most 390 nm, advantageously at most 315 nm, more advantageously atmost 280 nm, preferably at most 200 nm, and particularly preferably atmost 121 nm and/or in particular at least 10 nm, advantageously at least100 nm, more advantageously at least 200 nm, preferably at least 280 nm,and particularly preferably at least 315 nm. The electromagneticradiation, in particular at a position at which the electromagneticradiation is coupled into the spinning nozzle unit and/or preferably ata position at which the electromagnetic radiation impinges on thepolymer solution, the further polymer solution, the inner fluid and/orthe further inner fluid, in particular has a power density in particularof at least 0.01 mW/cm², preferably at least 0.05 mW/cm², andparticularly preferably at least 0.2 mW/cm² and/or in particular of atmost 5 mW/cm², preferably at most 2 mW/cm², and particularly preferablyat most 0.5 mW/cm². The radiation source can be formed in particular asa gas discharge lamp, in particular a halogen metal vapour lamp,preferably a mercury vapour lamp, as a laser, a light-emitting diodeand/or as a laser diode. In particular, the irradiation unit is providedfor varying, preferably over time, at least one property of theelectromagnetic radiation of the irradiation unit, for example theradiation spectrum, in particular an intensity maximum of the radiationspectrum, and/or the power density of the electromagnetic radiation. Thevariation is in particular different from a switching on and/or offprocess. The irradiation unit, for varying at least one property of theelectromagnetic radiation, advantageously comprises in particular atleast one optical component, for example at least one optical frequencyfilter, which in particular can be formed as a high-pass filter,low-pass filter and/or bandpass filter, at least one lens, at least onebeam splitter, at least one attenuator, at least one mirror, at leastone prism and/or at least one optical modulator.

It is conceivable that the spinning nozzle unit is permeable at leastpartially for electromagnetic radiation in order to apply theelectromagnetic radiation at least to the polymer solution, the furtherpolymer solution, the inner fluid and/or the further inner fluid. Thespinning nozzle unit for this purpose can have in particular componentsand/or openings that are partially transparent for the electromagneticradiation. In order to achieve selective polymerisation, however, it isproposed that the irradiation unit comprises at least oneradiation-guiding element, which is provided to couple theelectromagnetic radiation at least partially into the spinning nozzleunit. The radiation-guiding element is provided in particular foroptically transmitting the electromagnetic radiation. Theradiation-guiding element is formed in particular as an opticalwaveguide and preferably as an optical fibre. The radiation-guidingelement is arranged in particular on and/or in the spinning nozzle unitand is preferably connected to the spinning nozzle unit such that it canbe detached without destruction and particularly preferably withouttools.

The refractive index of the radiation-guiding element, or of an opticalunit downstream of the radiation-guiding element, can be advantageouslyat least substantially identical to a refractive index of the innerfluid and/or a refractive index of the polymer solution. The fact that“a refractive index is substantially identical to a further refractiveindex” is to be understood in this context to mean in particular thatthe refractive indices differ from one another at most by 25%,preferably at most by 10%, preferably at most by 5%, and particularlypreferably at most by 1%. In particular, a coupling of theelectromagnetic radiation into the polymer solution and/or the innerfluid can be improved as a result.

The radiation-guiding element can also have a concave or convex tip inorder to advantageously further improve the coupling-in of theelectromagnetic radiation. Alternatively or additionally, an opticalunit of the filament production device arranged downstream of theradiation-guiding element can also be conceivable in order to couple inthe electromagnetic radiation.

In order to improve in particular the guidance of the electromagneticradiation within the inner fluid, the inner fluid can have a refractiveindex that is greater, preferably significantly greater, than therefractive index of the polymer solution. The fact that “a refractiveindex is significantly greater than a further refractive index” is to beunderstood in this context to mean in particular that the refractiveindex is greater than the further refractive index by at least 1%,preferably by at least 5%, preferably by at least 15%, and particularlypreferably by at least 25%. Total reflection at an interface between thepolymer solution and inner fluid can advantageously be attained as aresult, and therefore the inner fluid and the polymer solution form aliquid radiation-guiding element.

Alternatively, in order to improve the guidance of the radiation withinthe polymer solution, the polymer solution can have a refractive indexthat is greater, preferably significantly greater, than the refractiveindex of the inner fluid and preferably the refractive index of asurrounding environment. Total reflection can be attained herebyadvantageously at an interface between the polymer solution and asurrounding environment, and therefore the inner fluid and the polymersolution form a liquid radiation-guiding element.

The radiation-guiding element can be arranged in particular at leastpartially within at least one spinning nozzle wall of the spinningnozzle unit. Furthermore, a main extent of the radiation-guiding elementwithin the spinning nozzle unit can be at least substantially paralleland/or at least substantially perpendicular to a flow direction of theinner fluid and/or the polymer solution and/or to the main extent of theinner fluid channel and/or the polymer solution channel. The spinningnozzle wall in particular has a receiving channel for theradiation-guiding element. The spinning nozzle wall can preferablyconsist at least partially of a transparent material, for example aplastics material, and in particular at least partially of a reflectivematerial, for example a metal, such that electromagnetic radiation whichis coupled in by the liquid radiation-guiding element is reflected at aninterface between the transparent and the reflective material in thedirection of the polymer solution and/or the inner fluid. It is alsoconceivable that the liquid radiation-guiding element has an at leastpartially curved profile, in particular within the spinning nozzle wall,and is preferably curved in the direction of the polymer solution and/orin the direction of the inner fluid.

The radiation-guiding element can be provided in particular for couplingelectromagnetic radiation into the fluid and/or into the polymersolution. A surface of the filament can advantageously be functionalisedas the electromagnetic radiation is being coupled into the inner fluid.A structuring of the filament can also be improved advantageously bycoupling the electromagnetic radiation into the polymer solution.

It is also proposed that the spinning nozzle unit has at least one innerfluid channel, which is provided for guiding an inner fluid, inparticular the aforementioned inner fluid, and at least one polymersolution channel, which is provided for guiding the polymer solution,wherein the polymer solution channel surrounds the inner fluid channelin at least one cross-section, in particular in the peripheraldirection, at least partially, preferably at least to a large extent,and particularly preferably entirely. The morphology of the filament canhereby be varied in a simple way and advantageously inexpensively.

It is conceivable that the spinning nozzle unit has at least one furtherpolymer solution channel, which is provided for guiding the furtherpolymer solution, and/or at least one further inner fluid channel, whichis provided for guiding the further inner fluid. The polymer solutionchannels and/or the inner fluid channels can be arranged in particularin various combinations with one another, and advantageously surroundone another in at least one cross-section, in particular in theperipheral direction, at least partially, preferably at least to a largeextent, and particularly preferably entirely. In particular, the polymersolution channels can be provided advantageously for guiding the samepolymer solution, and/or the inner fluid channels advantageously can beprovided for guiding the same inner fluid. In order to attain amulti-layer morphology of the filament and in particular to improve thestability of the filament particularly inexpensively, it is proposedthat the spinning nozzle unit has at least one further polymer solutionchannel, wherein the polymer solution channel and the further polymersolution channel are provided for guiding different polymer solutions.The expression “different polymer solutions” is to be understood to meanin particular polymer solutions which differ from one another at leastby a chemical component, advantageously at least a polymer. The polymersolution in particular comprises at least one chemical component, inparticular a polymer, which is absent in the further polymer solution,or vice versa. The further polymer solution preferably comprisespolyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), whereas the polymer solution is freefrom polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The polymer solution also comprisespolyethersulfone (PES), whereas the further polymer solution is freefrom polyethersulfone (PES). The spinning nozzle unit can also have atleast one further inner fluid channel, wherein the inner fluid channeland the further inner fluid channel are provided for guiding differentinner fluids. The expression “different inner fluids” is to beunderstood in particular to mean inner fluids which differ from oneanother at least by a chemical component, in particular a non-solvent.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that theirradiation unit is provided for coupling the electromagnetic radiationat least partially into at least one channel, preferably the polymersolution channel, in particular into a plurality of channels, preferablyinto the polymer solution channel, the further polymer solution channel,the inner fluid channel and/or the further inner fluid channel of thespinning nozzle unit. The precision of the coupling-in theelectromagnetic radiation can be further improved hereby. Theirradiation unit in particular has at least one radiation-guidingelement and in particular a plurality of radiation-guiding elements perchannel. The radiation-guiding element is arranged on and/or in thechannel. The radiation-guiding element is in particular fastened to thechannel such that it can be detached without destruction andadvantageously without tools. It is also conceivable that theradiation-guiding element is flange-mounted on the channel and/orparticularly preferably is adhered into the channel.

The filament production device in particular has a temperature-controlunit. The temperature-control unit is provided in particular for varyingthe temperature at least of the polymer solution, whereby in particularthe viscosity of the polymer solution can be adjusted. It is alsoproposed that the polymerisation unit has a temperature-control unit, inparticular the aforementioned temperature-control unit, which isprovided for applying heat energy at least to the polymer solution, thefurther polymer solution, the inner fluid and/or the further inner fluidin order to initiate the polymerisation. An advantageously uniforminitiation of the polymerisation can be provided as a result. The heatenergy corresponds in particular to a temperature at least of thepolymer solution, the further polymer solution, the inner fluid and/orthe further inner fluid of at least −5° C., preferably at least 5° C.,and particularly preferably at least 30° C., and/or in particular atmost 200° C., preferably at most 150° C., and particularly preferably atmost 100° C. The temperature-control unit can be formed in particular asa thermocryostat. The temperature-control unit preferably has at leastone temperature-control element, which is provided for absorbing andreleasing heat energy. The temperature-control element is formed inparticular as a radiator. The temperature-control unit, in particularthe temperature-control element, is formed at least partially integrallywith the spinning nozzle unit. The temperature unit also has a heatenergy source which is connected to the temperature-control element forexchange of heat energy. It is conceivable in particular that the heatenergy source and the temperature-control element are formed integrallyat least partially.

It is also proposed that the polymerisation unit comprises at least onefeed unit, which is provided for feeding at least one polymerisationinitiator, in particular indirectly and particularly preferablydirectly, to at least one channel, in particular at least a plurality ofchannels, preferably the polymer solution channel, the further polymersolution channel, the inner fluid channel and/or the further inner fluidchannel, of the spinning nozzle unit. The polymerisation of the polymersolution can hereby be prevented from starting before the spinningnozzle. The feed unit has at least one feed line, in particular at leastone feed line per channel of the spinning nozzle unit, for thepolymerisation initiator. The polymerisation initiator can be inparticular a radical starter, such as peroxide, tert-butylperoxypivalate and/or H2O2/CuCl2. The polymerisation initiator can alsobe in particular a photoinitiator, such as 4,4,′-diazidostilbene2,2′-disodium sulfonate. In particular, the electromagnetic radiation,preferably the radiation spectrum thereof, and particularly preferablythe intensity maximum of the radiation spectrum, is selected such thatit coincides with an absorption spectrum of the polymerisation initiatorat least partially, in particular at least to a large extent, andparticularly preferably entirely. For example, the absorption spectrumof 4,4,′-diazidostilbene 2,2′-disodium sulfonate lies in a spectralrange of from 350 nm to 390 nm. In particular, a power density of theelectromagnetic radiation is also selected so that it is sufficient atleast for activation of the polymerisation initiator. For example, thepower density for activation for 4,4,′-diazidostilbene 2,2′-disodiumsulfonate lies in a power range of from 0.2 mW/cm² to 0.5 mW/cm². Inparticular, a heat energy, in particular a temperature, of the spinningnozzle unit and/or the polymer solution and in particular of the innerfluid is also selected so that it is sufficient at least for activationof the polymerisation initiator and advantageously corresponds to thedecomposition temperature of the polymerisation initiator. For example,the heat energy for activation of peroxide lies in a temperature rangeof from 70° C. to 90° C.

In order to improve a variable production of the filament and inparticular in order to enable an adjustment of the production parametersto external conditions, in particular so as to attain a uniform qualityof the filament, it is proposed that the filament production device hasa control unit which is provided for controlling the polymerisation unitfor selective initiation of the polymerisation. A “control unit” is tobe understood in particular to mean an electronic unit which preferablyis provided for controlling at least the one operating parameter of thepolymerisation unit by open-loop and/or closed-loop control. The controlunit preferably comprises a computing unit and, in particularadditionally to the computing unit, a memory unit with an open-loopand/or closed-loop control program stored therein, which is provided tobe executed by the computing unit. The expression “an operatingparameter” of the polymerisation unit is to be understood to mean inparticular a property of the electromagnetic radiation, for example theradiation spectrum, the intensity, and in particular the course thereofover time, a property of the temperature-control unit, for example theheat energy, in particular temperature and advantageously course thereofover time, and/or a production property, such as a flow rate of thepolymer solution, the further polymer solution, the inner fluid and/orthe further inner fluid through the spinning nozzle unit and/or asubstance amount ratio, in particular of the polymer of the polymersolution and of the polymerisation initiator.

The invention also proceeds from a production method, in particularreaction-spinning production method, with a filament production devicewhich has a spinning nozzle unit, wherein at least one filament isproduced by means of the spinning nozzle unit from at least one polymersolution, wherein polymerisation is initiated at least partially withinthe spinning nozzle unit. The efficiency, in particular cost efficiency,preferably time efficiency and/or material efficiency of the productionprocess, and in particular the product efficiency can be improved as aresult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Further advantages will become clear from the following description ofthe drawings. The drawings show three exemplary embodiments of theinvention. The drawings, the description, and the claims containnumerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art willexpediently also consider the features individually and combine them toform further useful combinations.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a system for producing a filament with a filamentproduction device in a schematic side view,

FIG. 2 shows part of the filament production device in a sectional view,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for producing thefilament with the filament production device,

FIG. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of part of a filamentproduction device in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 5 shows part of the filament production device from FIG. 4 in asectional view,

FIG. 6 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of part of a filamentproduction device in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 7 shows part of the filament production device from FIG. 6 in asectional view,

FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of part of a filamentproduction device in a sectional view,

FIG. 9 shows part of the filament production device from FIG. 8 in aplan view,

FIG. 10 shows a further exemplary embodiment of part of a filamentproduction device in a sectional view,

FIG. 11 shows a further exemplary embodiment of part of a filamentproduction device in a sectional view, and

FIG. 12 shows part of the filament production device from FIG. 11 in aplan view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of a system 48 a for producing afilament 16 a with a filament production device formed as a filamentreaction-spinning production device. The filament production deviceproduces the filament 16 a in an operating state in series production.The filament production device forms the filament 16 a in an operatingstate as a hollow fibre membrane.

The filament production device has a spinning nozzle unit 10 a (see FIG.2). The spinning nozzle unit 10 a produces the filament 16 acontinuously in an operating state. The spinning nozzle unit 10 aproduces the filament 16 a from a polymer solution 12 a in an operatingstate. In the present case, the spinning nozzle unit 10 a additionallyproduces the filament 16 a by means of an inner fluid 30 a in anoperating state. However, it is also conceivable that the spinningnozzle unit 10 a can produce the filament 16 a from at least one furtherpolymer solution and/or at least one further inner fluid.

The polymer solution 12 a comprises at least one polymer. The polymer,in an operating state, forms the filament 16 a. The polymer ispolyethersulfone (PES). The polymer solution 12 a can alternatively oradditionally comprise, as polymer, polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone(PES), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), poly(arylene sulfone) (PAS)and/or poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES). The polymer solution 12 a alsocomprises at least one further polymer. The further polymer is a poregenerator. The further polymer, in an operating state, forms poreswithin the filament 16 a. The further polymer functionalises thefilament 16 a hydrophilically by polymerisation in an operating state.In the present case, the further polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).However, it is also conceivable that the further polymer is another poregenerator appearing advantageous to a person skilled in the art. Inaddition, the polymer solution 12 a comprises a solvent. The solvent isa solvent for at least one of the polymers. In the present case, thesolvent is a solvent for the polymer and the further polymer. It is alsoconceivable that the polymer solution 12 a can comprise further chemicalcomponents, such as non-solvents, monomers, copolymers, pre-polymers,fillers, pigments, flame retardants and/or polymerisation initiators.

The inner fluid 30 a comprises at least one non-solvent. The non-solventis a non-solvent for at least one of the polymers contained in thepolymer solution 12 a. It is also conceivable that the inner fluid 30 acan comprise further chemical components, such as solvents, monomers,copolymers, pre-polymers, fillers, pigments, flame retardants, poregenerators and/or polymerisation initiators.

The spinning nozzle unit 10 a has at least one spinning nozzle 50 a. Thespinning nozzle 50 a spins the polymer solution 12 a in an operatingstate. The spinning nozzle unit 10 a has a polymer solution channel 34a. The polymer solution channel 34 a guides the polymer solution 12 a inan operating state. The spinning nozzle unit 10 a also has an innerfluid channel 26 a. The inner fluid channel 26 a guides the inner fluid30 a in an operating state. The polymer solution channel 34 a surroundsthe inner fluid channel 26 a at least partially in one cross-section.The polymer solution channel 34 a surrounds the inner fluid channel 26 aat least partially in the peripheral direction. The polymer solutionchannel 34 a forms the spinning nozzle 50 a at least partially. Theinner fluid channel 26 a forms the spinning nozzle 50 a at leastpartially. Additionally or alternatively, the spinning nozzle unit 10 acan have at least one further polymer solution channel and/or at leastone further inner fluid channel, which are formed in a manner at leastsubstantially equivalent to the polymer solution channel and/or theinner fluid channel. The polymer solution channels and/or the innerfluid channels can then be arranged in different combinations with oneanother. It is conceivable that the polymer solution channels and theinner fluid channels surround one another at least partially in at leastone cross-section, in particular in the peripheral direction. Inparticular, the polymer solution channels and/or the inner fluidchannels can be provided advantageously for guiding the same polymersolution and/or the same inner fluid. Alternatively or additionally, thepolymer solution channels can be provided advantageously for guidingdifferent polymer solutions, and/or the inner fluid channelsadvantageously can be provided for guiding different inner fluids.

The filament production device has a polymerisation unit 18 a. Thepolymerisation unit 18 a is formed at least partially integrally withthe spinning nozzle unit 10 a. The polymerisation unit 18 a isintegrated at least partially in the spinning nozzle unit 10 a. Thepolymerisation unit 18 a in the operating state initiates thepolymerisation of the polymer solution 12 a within the spinning nozzleunit 10 a.

The feed unit 38 a has a polymer solution feed line 54 a. The polymersolution feed line 54 a is connected to the polymer solution channel 34a of the spinning nozzle unit 10 a. The feed unit 38 a also has an innerfluid feed line 56 a. The inner fluid feed line 56 a is connected to theinner fluid channel 26 a of the spinning nozzle unit 10 a.

In an operating state, the feed unit 38 a feeds the polymerisationinitiator to the polymer solution channel 34 a. The feed unit 38 a has apolymerisation initiator feed line 58 a for the polymerisationinitiator. The polymerisation initiator feed line 58 a is connected tothe polymer solution channel 34 a of the spinning nozzle unit 10 a. Thepolymerisation initiator is fed to the polymer solution 12 a. Once thepolymerisation initiator has been fed to the polymer solution 12 a, thepolymerisation initiator is part of the polymer solution 12 a. The feedunit 38 a has a mixer 60 a. The mixer 60 a in an operating state mixesthe polymer solution 12 a and the polymerisation initiator. The polymersolution feed line 54 a is connected to the mixer 60 a. Thepolymerisation initiator feed line 58 a is connected to the mixer 60 a.The mixer 60 a is connected to the polymer solution channel 34 a of thespinning nozzle unit 10 a. The mixer 60 a is formed as a static mixer.In order to achieve a particularly compact embodiment, the mixer 60 acould also be integrated in the spinning nozzle unit 10 a. Inparticular, the polymer solution channel 34 a of the spinning nozzleunit 10 a could form the mixer 60 a at least in part. In the presentcase, the polymerisation initiator feed line 58 a is connectedindirectly to the polymer solution channel 34 a. Alternatively, thepolymerisation initiator feed line 58 a can be directly connected to thepolymer solution channel 34 a.

In an operating state, the feed unit 38 a also feeds the polymerisationinitiator to the inner fluid channel 26 a. Once the polymerisationinitiator has been fed to the inner fluid 30 a, the polymerisationinitiator is part of the inner fluid 30 a. The feed unit 38 a has afurther polymerisation initiator feed line 64 a for the polymerisationinitiator. The further polymerisation initiator feed line 64 a isconnected to the inner fluid channel 26 a of the spinning nozzle unit 10a. The polymerisation initiator is fed to the inner fluid 30 a. The feedunit 38 a has a further mixer 64 a. The further mixer 64 a mixes theinner fluid 30 a and the polymerisation initiator in an operating state.The inner fluid feed line 56 a is connected to the further mixer 64 a.The further polymerisation initiator feed line 62 a is connected to thefurther mixer 64 a. The further mixer 64 a is connected to the innerfluid channel 26 a of the spinning nozzle unit 10 a. The further mixer64 a is formed as a static mixer. In order to achieve a particularlycompact embodiment, the mixer 64 a could also be integrated in thespinning nozzle unit 10 a. In particular, the inner fluid channel 26 aof the spinning nozzle unit 10 a could form the mixer 64 a at least inpart. In the present case, the further polymerisation initiator feedline 62 a is indirectly connected to the inner fluid channel 26 a.Alternatively, the polymerisation initiator feed line 58 a can bedirectly connected to the inner fluid channel 26 a. It is conceivable inparticular that at least one of the mixers 60 a, 64 a, in particular thefurther mixer 64 a, can be dispensed with.

It is conceivable that the feed unit 38 a is provided for feeding thepolymerisation initiator only to the polymer solution channel 34 a.Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the feed unit 38 ais provided for feeding the polymerisation initiator only to the innerfluid channel 26 a. It is also conceivable that the feed unit 38 a feedsdifferent polymerisation initiators to the polymer solution channel 34 aand the inner fluid channel 26 a.

In order to feed the polymer solution 12 a, the inner fluid 30 a and/orthe polymerisation initiator, the feed unit 38 a also has at least onepump, in particular one pump for each substance to be fed. The feed unit38 a can also have at least one filter. The filter in an operating statefilters out undissolved constituents of the polymer solution and/or theinner fluid.

The polymerisation initiator is a photoinitiator in the present case.The photoinitiator is 4,4,′-diazidostilbene 2,2′-disodium sulfonate.However, it is also conceivable that the polymerisation initiator isformed as a radical starter. The radical starter for example can beperoxide, tert-butyl peroxypivalate and/or H2O2/CuCl2.

The polymerisation unit 18 a comprises at least one irradiation unit 20a. The irradiation unit 20 a in at least one operating state applieselectromagnetic radiation to the polymer solution 12 a, in particularthe polymerisation initiator contained in the polymer solution 12 a, inorder to initiate the polymerisation. The irradiation unit 20 a alsoapplies electromagnetic radiation in an operating state to the innerfluid 30 a, in particular the polymerisation initiator preferablycontained in the inner fluid 30 a, in order to initiate thepolymerisation. Alternatively, the irradiation unit 12 a can be providedfor applying electromagnetic radiation only to the polymer solution 12 aor the inner fluid 30 a. The irradiation unit 20 a applieselectromagnetic radiation to the polymer solution 12 a and/or the innerfluid 30 a once these have been mixed with the polymerisation initiator.

The irradiation unit 20 a has at least one radiation source 66 a, 68 a.In the present case, the irradiation unit 20 a has a radiation source 66a, 68 a for each channel 26 a, 34 a of the spinning nozzle unit 10 a.The irradiation unit 20 a has a radiation source 66 a for the innerfluid channel 26 a. The irradiation unit 20 a has a radiation source 68a for the polymer solution channel 34 a. The radiation sources 66 a, 68a are formed at least in a manner substantially equivalent to oneanother. Thus, only one radiation source 66 a will be describedhereinafter. The following description can also be transferred inprinciple to the radiation source 68 a. However, it is also conceivablethat the radiation sources 66 a, 68 a are formed differently from oneanother and for example differ in terms of a radiation spectrum of theelectromagnetic radiation.

The radiation source 66 a is formed as a laser diode. However, it isalso conceivable that the radiation source 66 a can be formed as a gasdischarge lamp, in particular a halogen metal vapour lamp, preferably amercury vapour lamp, as a laser and/or as a light-emitting diode. Theradiation source 66 a in an operating state generates theelectromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation has a radiationspectrum with an intensity maximum in the range of ultravioletradiation. The intensity maximum of the radiation spectrum of theelectromagnetic radiation is selected such that it at least partiallycoincides with an absorption spectrum of the polymerisation initiator.In the present case, the electromagnetic radiation has a radiationspectrum with an intensity maximum in the range of near UV radiation.However, it is also conceivable that the electromagnetic radiation has aradiation spectrum with an intensity maximum in the range of near UVradiation (UV-A), middle UV radiation (UV-B), far UV radiation(UV-C-FUV), vacuum UV radiation (UV-C-VUV) and/or extreme UV radiation(EUV). The intensity maximum of the radiation spectrum of theelectromagnetic radiation has an energy of at least 3.2 eV. Theintensity maximum of the radiation spectrum of the electromagneticradiation has an energy of at most 3.94 eV. The intensity maximum of theradiation spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation also has awavelength of at most 390 nm. The intensity maximum of the radiationspectrum of the electromagnetic radiation also has a wavelength of atleast 350 nm. A power density of the electromagnetic radiation isselected such that this is at least sufficient for activation of thepolymerisation initiator. The electromagnetic radiation has a powerdensity of at least 0.2 mW/cm² at the position at which theelectromagnetic radiation is coupled into the spinning nozzle unit 10 a.The electromagnetic radiation has a power density of at most 0.5 mW/cm²at the position at which the electromagnetic radiation is coupled intothe spinning nozzle unit 10 a.

The irradiation unit 20 a can have further optical components, inparticular for varying a property of the electromagnetic radiation. Theproperty of the electromagnetic radiation is varied over time. Theproperty of the electromagnetic radiation to be varied is for example anintensity maximum of the radiation spectrum. In order to vary theintensity maximum of the radiation spectrum, the irradiation unit 20 ain the present case has a shutter, an attenuator and/or an opticalfilter (not shown). The optical filter for example can be formed here asa high-pass filter, low-pass filter and/or bandpass filter. Furthermore,further properties of the electromagnetic radiation, such as a powerdensity, can also be varied by means of further optical elements. Theirradiation unit 20 a can comprise further optical elements, such asoptical modulators, lenses, beam splitters and/or mirrors.

It is conceivable that the spinning nozzle unit 10 a for applyingelectromagnetic radiation at least to the polymer solution 12 a and/orthe inner fluid 30 a can be at least partially transmissive for theelectromagnetic radiation. For example, the spinning nozzle unit 10 acould have at least partially transparent components and/or openings. Inthe present case, the irradiation unit 20 a comprises at least oneradiation-guiding element 22 a, 24 a for coupling the electromagneticradiation into the spinning nozzle unit 10 a. The irradiation unit 20 acouples the electromagnetic radiation into at least one channel 26 a, 34a of the spinning nozzle unit 10 a in an operating state. Theirradiation unit 20 a has a radiation-guiding element 22 a, 24 a foreach channel 26 a, 34 a. The irradiation unit 20 a couples theelectromagnetic radiation at least partially into the polymer solutionchannel 34 a in at least one operating state. In the present case, theirradiation unit 20 a comprises a radiation-guiding element 22 a forcoupling the electromagnetic radiation into the polymer solution channel34 a. The irradiation unit 20 a couples the electromagnetic radiation atleast partially into the inner fluid channel 26 a in at least oneoperating state. Furthermore, the irradiation unit 20 a has aradiation-guiding element 24 a for coupling the electromagneticradiation into the inner fluid channel 26 a. The radiation-guidingelement 22 a is optically connected to the radiation source 68 a. Theradiation-guiding element 24 a is optically connected to the radiationsource 66 a. Alternatively or additionally, the irradiation unit 20 acan couple the electromagnetic radiation at least partially into atleast one further polymer solution channel and/or the inner fluidchannel in at least one operating state.

The radiation-guiding elements 22 a, 24 a are formed in a manner atleast substantially equivalent to one another. Thus, only oneradiation-guiding element 22 a will be described hereinafter. Thefollowing description can also be transferred in principle to theradiation-guiding element 24 a. However, it is also conceivable that theradiation-guiding elements 22 a, 24 a are formed differently from oneanother.

The radiation-guiding element 22 a transmits the electromagneticradiation optically in an operating state. The radiation-guiding element22 a transmits the electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source68 a to the spinning nozzle unit 10 a. The radiation-guiding element 22a, 24 a couples the electromagnetic radiation into the spinning nozzleunit 10 a in an operating state. The radiation-guiding element 22 a, 24a is formed as an optical fibre. The radiation-guiding element 22 a, 24a is arranged in the spinning nozzle unit 10 a. The radiation-guidingelement 22 a, 24 a is connected to the spinning nozzle unit 10 a suchthat it can be detached without destruction. The radiation-guidingelement 22 a is connected to the spinning nozzle unit 10 a such that itcan be detached without tools. However, it is also conceivable that theradiation-guiding element 22 a, 24 a is flange-mounted on the spinningnozzle unit 10 a and/or is adhesively bonded thereto.

The refractive index of the radiation-guiding element 22 a can besubstantially identical to the refractive index of the polymer solution12 a flowing through the polymer solution channel 34 a. Furthermore, therefractive index of the radiation-guiding element 24 a can also besubstantially identical to the refractive index of the inner fluid 30 aflowing through the inner fluid channel 26 a.

The radiation-guiding element 22 a can have a concave and preferablyconvex tip, in order to advantageously further improve the coupling-in.Alternatively or additionally, an optical unit of the filamentproduction device arranged downstream of the radiation-guiding element22 a can also be conceivable for coupling in the electromagneticradiation.

The radiation-guiding element 24 a can also have a concave andpreferably convex tip in order to advantageously further improve thecoupling-in. Alternatively or additionally, an optical unit of thefilament production device arranged downstream of the radiation-guidingelement 24 a can also be conceivable for coupling in the electromagneticradiation.

In order to improve in particular the guidance of the electromagneticradiation within the inner fluid 30 a, an inner fluid 30 a which has arefractive index greater, preferably significantly greater, than therefractive index of the polymer solution 12 a can be used. The innerfluid 30 a and the polymer solution 12 a form a liquid radiation-guidingelement 110 a. Alternatively, a polymer solution 12 a which has arefractive index greater, preferably significantly greater, than therefractive index of the inner fluid 30 a, and in particular therefractive index of a surrounding environment, can be used to improvethe guidance of the radiation within the polymer solution 12 a.

The polymerisation unit 18 a also has a temperature-control unit 44 a.The temperature-control unit 44 a applies heat energy at least to thepolymer solution 12 a in at least one operating state in order toinitiate the polymerisation. It is conceivable that the irradiation unit20 a and/or the temperature-control unit 44 a can initiate thepolymerisation jointly or independently of one another. Thetemperature-control unit 44 a in at least one operating state appliesheat energy at least to the inner fluid solution 30 a. Alternatively oradditionally, the temperature-control unit can apply heat energy to thefurther polymer solution and/or the further inner fluid in order toinitiate the polymerisation. The heat energy is selected such that it issufficient at least for activation of the polymerisation initiator. Theheat energy corresponds to the decomposition temperature of thepolymerisation initiator.

The temperature-control unit 44 a has a heat energy source 70 a. Thetemperature-control unit 44 a also has a temperature-control element 72a. The temperature-control element 72 a absorbs heat energy and/orreleases heat energy. The temperature-control element 72 a is formed asa radiator. The temperature-control element 72 a is connected to theheat energy source 70 a for exchange of heat energy. In the presentcase, the temperature-control element 72 a is connected to the heatenergy source 70 a by means of a heat transport element 74 a. The heattransport element 74 a absorbs heat energy from the heat energy source70 a and releases it to the temperature-control element 72 a. Thetemperature-control element 72 a is formed integrally with a main body78 a of the spinning nozzle unit 10 a. The temperature-control element72 a is formed as a radiator. The temperature-control unit can be formedin particular as a thermocryostat.

The filament production device has a control unit 46 a. The control unit46 a controls the polymerisation unit 18 a in at least one operatingstate for selective initiation of the polymerisation. The control unit46 a is connected to the spinning nozzle unit. The control unit 46 a isconnected to the polymerisation unit 18 a. The control unit 46 a isconnected to the irradiation unit 20 a. The control unit is connected tothe feed unit 38 a. The control unit 46 a is connected to thetemperature-control unit 44 a. The control unit 46 a is formed as anelectronic unit. The control unit 46 a controls at least one operatingparameter of the polymerisation unit 18 a in an operating state by meansof open-loop and/or closed-loop control. The control unit 46 a comprisesa computing unit (not shown). The control unit 46 a has a memory unit(not shown). The control unit 46 a has an open-loop and/or closed-loopcontrol program. The open-loop and/or closed-loop control program isstored on the memory unit. The open-loop and/or closed-loop program isexecuted by the computing unit in at least one operating state. In thepresent case, the control unit 46 a in an operating state varies theintensity of the electromagnetic radiation as operating parameter. Thecontrol unit 46 a in an operating state also varies the course over timeof the operating parameter. The control unit 46 a also varies the heatenergy of the temperature-control unit 44 a as operating parameter. Thecontrol unit 46 a also varies a flow rate of the polymer solution and/orof the inner fluid through the spinning nozzle unit 10 a and/or asubstance amount ratio, in particular of the polymer of the polymersolution and of the polymerisation initiator as operating parameter.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for producing thefilament 16 a with the filament production device.

In a method step 80 a, the polymer solution 12 a is produced. Inaddition, a further polymer solution could be produced in this methodstep. The polymer solution 12 a is received by the feed unit 38 a. Thepolymer solution feed line 54 a of the feed unit 38 a receives thepolymer solution 12 a. It is conceivable in particular that the polymersolutions are different polymer solutions.

In a method step 82 a, the inner fluid 30 a is produced. The inner fluid30 a is received by the feed unit 38 a. The inner fluid feed line 56 aof the feed unit 38 a receives the inner fluid. In addition, a furtherinner fluid could additionally be produced in this method step. It is inparticular conceivable that the inner fluids are different inner fluids.

In a method step 84 a, the polymer solution 12 a is filtered. The feedunit 38 a has a filter for this purpose.

In a method step 86 a, a polymerisation initiator is received by thefeed unit 38 a. To this end, the feed unit 38 a has the polymerisationinitiator feed line 58 a. The feed unit to this end also has the furtherpolymerisation feed line 62 a. The polymer solution 12 is mixed with thepolymerisation initiator. The inner fluid 30 a is mixed with thepolymerisation initiator. Alternatively, only the polymer solution oronly the inner fluid can also be mixed with the polymerisationinitiator. After the mixing, the polymerisation initiator is part of thepolymer solution 12 a and/or the inner fluid 30 a. The polymer solution12 a, which comprises the polymerisation initiator, and/or the innerfluid 30 a, which comprises the polymerisation initiator, are/is alsofed to the spinning nozzle unit 10 a.

In a method step 88 a, at least the filament 16 a is produced by meansof the spinning nozzle unit 10 a from the polymer solution 12 a and/orby means of the inner fluid 30 a, wherein polymerisation is initiated atleast partially within the spinning nozzle unit 10 a.

In a method step 90 a, the filament 16 a is precipitated in aprecipitation bath.

In a method step 92 a, the filament 16 a is precipitated in a furtherprecipitation bath. The precipitation bath and the further precipitationbath have different precipitation bath temperatures.

In a method step 94 a, the filament 16 a is wound onto a reel. Thefilament is advantageously wound here at a speed of at least 2 rpmand/or at most 7 rpm.

In a method step 96 a, the filament 16 a is introduced into a washingtank. The filament 16 a is flushed in the washing tank. Residues of thepolymer solution 12 a and of the inner fluid 30 a are hereby detachedfrom the filament 16 a.

In a method step 98 a, the filament is introduced into a conditioningtank. A conditioning of the filament 16 a is performed. The conditioningis performed by means of hypochlorite. Non-polymerised fractions of thepolymer solution 12 a are hereby separated from the filament 16 a.

In a method step 100 a, the filament 16 a is rinsed.

In a method step 102 a, the filament 16 a is subjected to glycerolysis.The filament 16 a is brought into contact with glycerol. The flexibilityand/or pliability of the filament 16 a are/is improved hereby.

In a method step 104 a, the filament 16 a is dried.

FIGS. 4 to 11 show further exemplary embodiments of the invention. Thefollowing descriptions and the drawings are limited fundamentally to thedifferences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein reference can bemade also to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplaryembodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 3, in respect of componentshaving the same name, in particular in respect of components having likereference signs. In order to distinguish between the exemplaryembodiments, the letter a has been placed after the reference signs forthe exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3. The letter a is replaced bythe letters b to fin the further exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 11.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a further exemplary embodiment of the filamentproduction device in a schematic illustration and once in a sectionalview. This exemplary embodiment differs here at least fundamentally fromthe previous exemplary embodiment in that a polymerisation feed line 62b is directly connected to the inner fluid channel 26 b. The furthermixer 64 b can be formed here by the inner fluid channel. Alternatively,however, the further mixer 64 b can also be spared. The irradiation unit20 b also has just one radiation source 66 b. The irradiation unit 20 bhas just one light guide element 24 b. In the present case, the innerfluid 26 and in particular the polymerisation initiator, which is partof the inner fluid 30 b, is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. Theelectromagnetic radiation is coupled into the inner fluid channel 30 b.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an alternative exemplary embodiment of the filamentproduction device in a schematic illustration and once in a sectionalview. This exemplary embodiment differs here at least fundamentally fromthe previous exemplary embodiment in that the spinning nozzle unit has afurther polymer solution channel 36 c. The further polymer solutionchannel 36 c guides a further polymer solution 14 c in an operatingstate. The further polymer solution channel 36 c surrounds a polymersolution channel 34 c. The polymer solution channel 34 c and the furtherpolymer solution channel 36 c are provided for guiding different polymersolutions 12 c, 14 c. The polymer solution 12 c and the further polymersolution 14 c differ from one another at least by a polymer. The polymersolution 12 c comprises polyethersulfone (PES), whereas the furtherpolymer solution 14 c is free from polyethersulfone (PES). The furtherpolymer solution 14 c also comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),whereas the polymer solution 12 c is free from polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF). A feed unit 38 b also has a further polymer solution feed line55 c. The feed unit 38 c also has an additional polymerisation initiatorfeed line 59 c. The feed unit 38 c has an additional mixer 61 c. Anirradiation unit 20 c has an additional radiation source 69 c. Theirradiation unit 20 c also has an additional radiation-guiding element25 c in order to couple the electromagnetic radiation into a spinningnozzle unit 10 c. The irradiation unit 20 c couples the electromagneticradiation into at least the further polymerisation channel 36 c in anoperating state.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show part of an alternative exemplary embodiment of afilament production device in a sectional view and in a plan view. Thefilament production device comprises a spinning nozzle unit 10 d. Thefilament production device also comprises an irradiation unit 20 d. Theirradiation unit 20 d comprises at least one radiation-guiding element22 d, 24 d in order to couple electromagnetic radiation into thespinning nozzle unit 10 d. The irradiation unit 20 d couples theelectromagnetic radiation at least partially into an inner fluid channel26 d of the spinning nozzle unit 10 d in at least one operating state.The irradiation unit 20 d couples the electromagnetic radiation at leastpartially into a polymer solution channel 34 d of the spinning nozzleunit 10 d in at least one operating state.

The spinning nozzle unit 10 d has a spinning nozzle 50 d. The spinningnozzle 50 d has a spinning nozzle wall 51 d. The spinning nozzle wall 51d delimits at least one channel of the spinning nozzle unit 10 d, inparticular the polymer solution channel 34 d. The spinning nozzle wall51 d has a receiving channel 106 d. The receiving channel 106 d isprovided for receiving the radiation-guiding element 22 d. The spinningnozzle wall 51 d has a first portion 52 d. The first portion 52 dconsists of a reflective material, such as metal. The spinning nozzlewall 51 d also has a second portion 53 d. The second portion 53 dconsists of a transparent material. The receiving channel 106 d isarranged within the second portion 53 d. The receiving channel 106 druns at least substantially parallel to the polymer solution channel 34d.

The radiation-guiding element 22 d is arranged at least partially withinthe spinning nozzle wall 51 d. The radiation-guiding element 22 d isarranged at least partially in the receiving channel 106 d. In thepresent case the radiation-guiding element 22 d runs at leastsubstantially parallel to the polymer solution channel 34 d. Theradiation-guiding element 22 d is arranged in the second portion 53 d.The radiation-guiding element 22 d couples electromagnetic radiationinto the second portion 53 d. The electromagnetic radiation is reflectedat an interface 108 d between the first portion 52 d and the secondportion 53 d in the direction of the polymer solution channel 34 d andin particular is coupled thereinto.

Alternatively, the reflection at the interface 108 d can be achieved bytotal reflection, for example if the refractive index of the firstportion 52 d is lower than the refractive index of the second portion 53d.

In the present case, the filament production device has a plurality ofradiation-guiding elements 22 d. For improved clarity, only oneradiation-guiding element 22 d has been provided with a reference sign.The radiation-guiding elements 22 d are identical to one another. Theradiation-guiding elements 22 d are arranged rotationally symmetricallyabout the polymer solution channel 34 d. The radiation-guiding elements22 d are arranged in an annular manner (see FIG. 9).

Electromagnetic radiation could also be coupled into the inner fluidchannel 26 d in an equivalent manner by the radiation-guiding element 24d.

FIG. 10 shows part of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a filamentproduction device in a sectional view. The filament production devicecomprises a spinning nozzle unit 10 e. The filament production devicealso comprises an irradiation unit 10 e. The irradiation unit 20 ecomprises at least one radiation-guiding element 22 e, 24 e in order tocouple electromagnetic radiation into the spinning nozzle unit 10 e. Theirradiation unit 20 e couples the electromagnetic radiation at leastpartially into an inner fluid channel 26 e of the spinning nozzle unit10 e in at least one operating state. The irradiation unit 20 e couplesthe electromagnetic radiation at least partially into a polymer solutionchannel 34 e of the spinning nozzle unit 10 e in at least one operatingstate.

The spinning nozzle unit 10 e has a spinning nozzle 50 e. The spinningnozzle 50 e has a spinning nozzle wall 51 e. The spinning nozzle wall 51e delimits at least one channel of the spinning nozzle unit 10 e, inparticular the polymer solution channel 34 e. The spinning nozzle wall51 e has a receiving channel 106 e. The receiving channel 106 e isprovided for receiving the radiation-guiding element 22 e. The receivingchannel 106 e runs at least substantially parallel to the polymersolution channel 34 e. The receiving channel 106 e is curved in thedirection of the polymer solution channel 34 e. The receiving channel106 e has an opening in the direction of the polymer solution channel 34e.

The radiation-guiding element 22 e is arranged at least partially withinthe spinning nozzle wall 51 e. The radiation-guiding element 22 e isarranged at least partially in the receiving channel 106 e. In thepresent case the radiation-guiding element 22 e runs at leastsubstantially parallel to the polymer solution channel 34 e. One end ofthe radiation-guiding element 22 e is arranged in the opening of thereceiving channel 106 e in order to couple the electromagnetic radiationinto the polymer solution channel 34 e

In the present case the filament production device has a plurality ofradiation-guiding elements 22 e. For improved clarity, just oneradiation-guiding element 22 e has been provided with a reference sign.The radiation-guiding elements 22 e are identical to one another. Theradiation-guiding elements 22 e are arranged rotationally symmetricallyabout the polymer solution channel 34 e. The radiation elements 22 e arearranged in an annular manner (see FIG. 9).

Electromagnetic radiation could also be coupled into the inner fluidchannel 26 e in an equivalent manner by the radiation-guiding element 24e.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show part of an alternative filament production devicein a sectional view and in a plan view. The filament production devicecomprises a spinning nozzle unit 10 f The filament production devicealso comprises an irradiation unit 20 f The irradiation unit 20 fcomprises at least one radiation-guiding element 22 f, 24 f in order tocouple electromagnetic radiation into the spinning nozzle unit 10 f. Theirradiation unit 20 f couples the electromagnetic radiation at leastpartially into an inner fluid channel 26 f of the spinning nozzle unit10 f in at least one operating state. The irradiation unit 20 f couplesthe electromagnetic radiation at least partially into a polymer solutionchannel 34 f of the spinning nozzle unit 10 f in at least one operatingstate.

The spinning nozzle unit 10 f has a spinning nozzle 50 f. The spinningnozzle 50 f has a spinning nozzle wall 51 f The spinning nozzle wall 51f delimits at least one channel of the spinning nozzle unit 10 f, inparticular the polymer solution channel 34 f The spinning nozzle wall 51f has a receiving channel 106 f The receiving channel 106 f is providedfor receiving the radiation-guiding element 22 f The receiving channel106 f runs at least substantially perpendicularly to the polymersolution channel 34 f The receiving channel 106 f has an opening in thedirection of the polymer solution channel 34 f.

The radiation-guiding element 22 f is arranged at least partially withinthe spinning nozzle wall 51 f. The radiation-guiding element 22 f isarranged at least partially in the receiving channel 106 f In thepresent case the radiation-guiding element 22 f runs at leastsubstantially perpendicularly to the polymer solution channel 34 f Oneend of the radiation-guiding element 22 f is arranged in the opening ofthe receiving channel 106 f for coupling the electromagnetic radiationinto the polymer solution channel 34 f.

In the present case, the filament production device has a plurality ofradiation-guiding elements 22 f For improved clarity, just oneradiation-guiding element 22 f has been provided with a reference sign.The radiation-guiding elements 22 f are identical to one another. Theradiation-guiding elements 22 f are arranged rotationally symmetricallyabout the polymer solution channel 34 f The radiation-guiding elements22 f are arranged in an annular manner (see FIG. 9).

Electromagnetic radiation could also be coupled into the inner fluidchannel 26 f in an equivalent manner by the radiation-guiding element 24f.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A filament production device, comprising atleast one spinning nozzle unit, which is provided for producing at leastone filament, which is formed as a hollow fibre membrane, from at leastone polymer solution, and comprising a polymerisation unit, which isprovided for initiating a polymerisation of the at least one polymersolution at least partially within the spinning nozzle unit; wherein thespinning nozzle unit has at least one inner fluid channel, which isprovided for guiding an inner fluid, and has at least one polymersolution channel, which is provided for guiding the at least one polymersolution, wherein the polymer solution channel surrounds the at leastone inner fluid channel at least partially in at least onecross-section; and wherein the polymerization unit comprises at leastone irradiation unit for applying electromagnetic radiation only to theinner fluid in the at least one inner fluid channel, wherein the atleast one irradiation unit comprises a radiation-guiding elementextending at least partially into the at least one inner fluid channelfor coupling the electromagnetic radiation only into the at least oneinner fluid channel.
 2. The filament production device according toclaim 1, wherein the spinning nozzle unit has at least one furtherpolymer solution channel, wherein the polymer solution channel and theat least one further polymer solution channel are provided for guidingdifferent polymer solutions.
 3. The filament production device accordingto claim 1, wherein the spinning nozzle unit comprises at least onechannel, and the polymerisation unit comprises at least one feed unit,which is provided for feeding a polymerisation initiator to the at leastone channel of the spinning nozzle unit.
 4. The filament productiondevice according to claim 1, wherein the polymerisation unit has atemperature-control unit, which is provided for applying heat energy atleast to the at least one polymer solution for initiatingpolymerisation.
 5. The filament production device according to claim 1,wherein a control unit, which is provided for controlling thepolymerisation unit for selective initiation of the polymerisation. 6.The filament production device of claim 1, comprising a filamentreaction-spinning production device.
 7. A filament production method,with a filament production device having at least one spinning nozzleunit, wherein the spinning nozzle unit has at least one inner fluidchannel, which is provided for guiding an inner fluid, and has at leastone polymer solution channel, which is provided for guiding at least onepolymer solution, wherein the polymer solution channel surrounds the atleast one inner fluid channel at least partially in at least onecross-section, wherein at least one filament, which is formed as ahollow fibre membrane, is produced by the spinning nozzle unit from theat least one polymer solution, the method comprising at least partiallyinitiating polymerization within the spinning nozzle unit by applyingelectromagnetic radiation along a radiation guiding element extending atleast partially into the at least one inner fluid channel to apply theelectromagnetic radiation to only to the inner fluid in the at least oneinner fluid channel.
 8. The filament production method of claim 7,comprising a reaction-spinning production method.